Analysis of the Planned Development of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) and Energy Transition Based on Environmental Ethics and the Principle of Sustainable Development - Arina Shiva Official Website

Achmad Shiva’ul Haq Asjach

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National energy demand continues to increase due to industrial growth, urbanization, and household consumption, encouraging the state to seek energy sources capable of ensuring national energy security. Amid the limitations of conventional energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as challenges in investing in new and renewable energy (NRE), the plan to develop Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) has emerged as a strategic alternative in national energy policy. However, this policy has sparked debate from the perspective of environmental ethics and sustainable development.

According to the author’s view, the development of NPPs can in principle be understood as part of the state’s effort to maintain national energy security and meet societal needs in a sustainable manner. Nevertheless, its implementation must be carried out with extreme caution by considering environmental safety, public protection, ecological sustainability, and intergenerational responsibility.

Analysis Based on Anthropocentrism Theory

From an anthropocentric perspective, the development of NPPs can be justified because it aims to fulfill human needs, particularly the increasing demand for national energy. Energy is a vital necessity for economic development, industry, education, and public welfare. Therefore, the state has an obligation to ensure energy availability in the public interest (Keraf, 2010).

From this viewpoint, NPPs are considered a rational solution because they are capable of producing large-scale energy with relatively low carbon emissions compared to fossil-fuel-based power plants. In addition, nuclear energy can help Indonesia reduce its dependence on coal and imported energy.

However, criticism of the anthropocentric approach arises when human interests become the sole basis for policy-making. The risks of radioactive waste, potential nuclear leaks, and long-term ecological impacts indicate that energy technology exploitation should not be oriented solely toward human economic needs.

Analysis Based on Biocentrism and Ecocentrism

Biocentrism and ecocentrism offer a more critical perspective on the development of NPPs. Biocentrism asserts that all living beings possess intrinsic value; therefore, energy policy must take into account the protection of all forms of life, not only human beings (Taylor, 1986). Meanwhile, ecocentrism places the entire ecosystem as the moral subject that must be protected (Leopold, 1949).

In this context, the development of NPPs raises concerns regarding the potential for radioactive contamination, which may cause long-term damage to ecosystems. Historical experiences such as the Chernobyl disaster and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster demonstrate that failures in nuclear technology can result in extensive ecological destruction with intergenerational consequences.

From an ecocentric perspective, the development of NPPs can only be justified if the state is able to ensure extremely strict environmental safety standards, the secure management of radioactive waste, and comprehensive protection of ecosystems.

Analysis Based on Deep Ecology

Deep ecology views the environmental crisis as a consequence of modern development patterns that are excessively oriented toward exploitation of nature and economic growth (Naess, 1973). From this perspective, the development of NPPs can be seen as a continuation of human domination over nature through high-risk technologies.

The deep ecology approach would likely advocate for a stronger shift toward renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, micro-hydro, and biomass, which are considered more compatible with ecological balance. However, this theory also faces practical challenges, as current national energy demand is substantial, while Indonesia’s renewable energy capacity is not yet sufficient to fully replace fossil fuels in the short term.

Therefore, the energy transition requires a realistic approach that is not only ecologically ideal, but also capable of ensuring economic stability and meeting societal energy needs.

Analysis Based on the Principle of Sustainable Development

The concept of sustainable development emphasizes meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (WCED, 1987). In this context, national energy policy must ensure a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.

The development of NPPs may be considered consistent with sustainable development if it fulfills several essential conditions, namely:

1. Environmental aspect, namely ensuring nuclear technology safety, the secure management of radioactive waste, and the mitigation of ecological disaster risks.
2. Economic aspect, namely the ability to ensure a stable national energy supply and support long-term economic growth.
3. Social aspect, namely the protection of surrounding communities, transparency of public information, and public participation in decision-making processes.

In addition, the precautionary principle must serve as a fundamental basis for the development of NPPs. This principle asserts that where an activity poses a risk of serious environmental harm, scientific uncertainty should not be used as a reason to postpone preventive measures (Hardjasoemantri, 2005).

Views on the Energy Transition Situation in Indonesia

According to the author’s view, the energy transition in Indonesia currently stands in a dilemma. On the one hand, Indonesia has a global commitment to reduce carbon emissions and phase out fossil energy sources such as coal. On the other hand, national energy demand continues to rise, while investment in and infrastructure for renewable energy remain limited.

Global geopolitical conditions, including conflicts in the Middle East, also highlight the importance of national energy security. Dependence on fossil fuels and energy imports makes the country vulnerable to global crises. Therefore, the energy transition cannot be carried out hastily without adequate technological, economic, and social readiness.

In this context, the development of NPPs may be regarded as transition energy to maintain national energy stability while accelerating the development of renewable energy sources (RES). However, the government must still prioritize the long-term development of environmentally friendly renewable energy.

Energy transition policy must also take into account the principles of ecological justice and social justice. The transition process should not impose undue burdens on low-income communities through increased electricity tariffs or the displacement of indigenous communities for large-scale energy projects.

Conclusion

The development of NPPs may fundamentally serve as a strategic alternative for meeting national energy demand and supporting carbon emission reduction targets. From an anthropocentric perspective, NPPs are considered beneficial for human welfare and national energy security. However, biocentrism, ecocentrism, and deep ecology emphasize that such development must carefully consider ecological risks, the safety of living beings, and environmental sustainability.

Based on the principle of sustainable development, the construction of NPPs can only be justified if it is implemented under strict precautionary principles, strong environmental safety standards, public transparency, and protection of future generations. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s energy transition must be carried out gradually, realistically, and equitably, while prioritizing the long-term development of renewable energy as a sustainable solution.

References

Hardjasoemantri, K. (2005). Hukum tata lingkungan. Yogyakarta: Gadjah Mada University Press.

Keraf, A. S. (2010). Etika lingkungan hidup. Jakarta: Kompas.

Leopold, A. (1949). A sand county almanac. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Naess, A. (1973). The shallow and the deep, long-range ecology movement. Inquiry, 16(1–4), 95–100.

Taylor, P. W. (1986). Respect for nature: A theory of environmental ethics. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

World Commission on Environment and Development. (1987). Our common future. Oxford: Oxford University Press.